A
land of tall casuarina and palm grooves, sun and warmth, silver land
beaches, mythical legends and the imposing intricately carved temple towers
(gopurams) nestled amidst a oriental lushness, Tamil Nadu greet travellers
from far and wide.
Since time immemorial, Tamil Nadu has been a getaway to the south and even
then, amazingly, the region retains its old-world charm. A wonderful blend
of ancient and modern, Tamil Nadu is now gaining popularity among the
adventure lovers as well.
Bestowed with several ideal locations for the adventure sports, Tamil Nadu
attracts large number of adventure seekers from all over the world. So,
visit this charming land and enjoy adventure sports like Hang Gliding,
Trekking, Water Sports, Boating, Golfing and much more.
Hang Gliding in Nilgiris
The Nilgiri ranges in Tamil Nadu is renowned not just for its pristine
natural beauty, charming towns, lush tea gardens and coffee plantations, but
is also famous as a wonderful destination for the adventure sport of Hang
Gliding.
Just 20 kms from Ooty, Kalahatty in Nilgiris is a perfect place for
undertaking Hang Gliding expedition. Start off your gliding trip from the
launch pad at Kalahatty and fly over the densely covered forested areas,
small villages and some unexplored regions. Apart from these, if you are
lucky, you may get a glimpse of some wild animals in the sanctuary below.
Kalahatty waterfall is another attraction on this criss-country route,
which you can cover on your gliding trip. Also known as ‘Kalahasti
Falls’, Kalahatty waterfall is home to a wide variety of wild animals
such as Panthers, Sambar, Bison, Wild Buffaloes etc.
Kalahatty is well-connected by a motorable
road, you can hire private taxis or cars from Ooty to reach this place.
March to May and September to November is the best time to enjoy hang
gliding in Nilgiris.
As Hang Gliding is not much popular in Niligiris, so the Madras (Chennai)
Hang - Gliders Association (MHGA) is taking special interest on popularizing
this adventure sport. The Madras Hang-Gliders Association provides essential
training as well as motorized hang gliders to gliding enthusiasts.
Water Sports in Tamil Nadu
Situated
at the coast of Bay of Bengal, the enchanting state of Tamil Nadu offers a
number of exciting water sports like surfing, angling, water scooters etc.
Wind Surfing : Visit the famous Coromandel coast where the
sea is rough, strong and rolling providing suitable conditions for enjoy
Surfing. At some places the surface is rocky with shallow water stretch,
where you can undertake the sport of Wind Surfing.
Just 35 kms south of Chennai, Muttukadu is an ideal place for Wind Surfing.
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (TTDC) and several private
operators provide essential Salis (equipment used in Wind Surfing) as well
as Wind Surfing equipments to Surf-riders.
Angling : Angling is another interesting water sport in
Tamil Nadu which attracts large number of adventure enthusiasts every year.
In Tamil Nadu, there are several water bodies which have been identified as
an excellent spot for Angling.
Head towards Nilgiri hills where you can enjoy trout fishing in famous
water bodies such as the Mukkurthi river and the lake, Avalanchi river,
Emarald river, Bilitha Dakulla river, Gurmund river and reservoir, Western
Catchment reservoir, Upper Bhavani reservoir, Chambar, Kallkundi, Peermund
streams, Silent Valley streams, Parsons Valley stream, Aradha Puzha, Bhavani
Puzha, Emeri Puzha, Kings Dhar Stream, Thirupanthurai etc.
You can also go for trout fishing in Kodaikanal hills where Pulavachiyar
and Konalar streams are recommended sites. Kodi Lake is noted for carp
fishing in Kodaikanal hills. In addition to these, Tamil Nadu’s 900 kms
long coastline provides you ample opportunity for Marine fishing.
Boating in Ooty Lake (Boat House) : This artificial lake
was constructed here in 1824 by Mr. Silvan. Presently the Tamil Nadu Tourism
Development Corporation (TTDC) maintains the Boat House and keeps it open
daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Boating facilities as well as Pony rides are also
available along the lake all through the day.
Trekking in Tamil Nadu
A tropical land, Tamil Nadu boasts of mighty hill ranges covered with lush
evergreen forests, dense dry deciduous forests and scrubs which offers
exciting opportunities for trek enthusiasts.
From simplest to challenging one, Tamil Nadu is endowed with a variety of
trek routes. Some of the popular regions where you can undertake trekking
expedition are Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Kodaikanal, Anamalai Hills, Kolli
Hills, Elagiri Hills, Kalakkadu - Mundathurai etc.
Golfing in Tamil Nadu
Started in 1889 by Colonel Ross Thompson, the Golf Club in Ooty (Nilgiris)
has now grew into the present 18-hole course of international fame. The
present day Golf Club is an amalgamation of the Gymkhana Club and the ABC
Club.
Undoubtedly the Golf course is unique in itself and playing on it is
certainly an exceptional experience. After enjoying the game, you can climb
up the nearby hill to take some spectacular view.
